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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06353867

The Effect of Group Exercise in Children With Special Needs

Thirty children with special needs were included in the study. Participants engaged in group exercises twice a week for four weeks, including warm-up and cool-down periods, with the goal of improving balance. The participants' balance was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test Short Form (Balance Parameters), Pediatric Balance Scale; functional mobility was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test, and attention level was assessed using the Stroop Test before and after the intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Developmental Disability Autism Spectrum Disorder Autistic Disorder Child Autism Child Development Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disabilities Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

6 year–15 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Marmara University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 6-15 years with special needs
  • Able to walk independently

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with visual problems,
  • Any orthopaedic, rheumatic or neurological problems affecting balance,
  • Any contraindication to exercise

Treatment and study plan

Group Exercise

Other

The children with special needs included in the study were included in group exercises for 45 minutes 2 days a week in groups of 10 children each. Group exercises were planned as balance and coordination exercises including warm-up and cool-down periods. In the warm-up and cool-down periods, counting in place and balance exercises were performed. The exercises included tasks such as side walking, tandem walking, walking on a balance board, walking in a figure 8, walking over obstacles, throwing a ball to the person next to him/her while passing through cones, and throwing a ball by jumping while passing through cones.The exercises were made more difficult by following a progressive method every 2 weeks. The exercises were performed in 3 sets of 5 repetitions under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Primary outcomes

  1. Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Competence Test Short Form Balance Subtest (Balance Subtest of BOT 2-KF)

    Time frame: Baseline and after the interventions (4th week)

    • Standing on the dominant leg on the balance board: The participant will be asked to stand on the balance board with his/her eyes open on his/her dominant foot, looking at the target, with his/her hands on his/her waist and the other leg parallel to the ground for 10 seconds. Scoring will be recorded as 0-0.9 s 0 points, 1-2.9 s 1 point, 3-5.9 s 2 points, 6-9.9 s 3 points and 10 s 4 points according to the duration of standing on one leg.
    • Tandem (heel-thumb) walking on the walking line: The participant will be asked to place his/her hands on his/her waist and walk along the walking line. When 6 steps are completed, the test is stopped. Steps that does not go beyond the line are evaluated. Scoring is done as 0 step 0 points, 1-2 steps 1 point, 3-4 steps 2 points, 5 steps 3 points and 6 steps 4 points.

  2. Paediatric Balance Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and after the interventions (4th week)

    The version consisting of 14 sections and each section scored between 0-4 is used to evaluate the balance status of the participants.

  3. Functional Reach Test

    Time frame: Baseline and after the interventions (4th week)

    The participant is asked to reach as far as he/she can horizontally at the level of a tape measure fixed to the wall with arms at 90 flexion. The test is repeated 3 times and the measurements are averaged.

  4. Timed Up and Go Test

    Time frame: Baseline and after the interventions (4th week)

    It will be applied to assess balance and functional ambulation. The participant is asked to get up from a chair, walk 3 metres, turn around and sit down again. The time it took to complete the test will be recorded.

  5. Stroop Test

    Time frame: Baseline and after the interventions (4th week)

    The Stroop Test is among the neuropsychological tests frequently used to assess attention level and executive functions in children. Participants' time to complete the test is recorded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Gedik University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Group Exercise on Balance and Attention Level in Children With Special Needs

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Apr 9, 2024
Registry last updated
Apr 9, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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